Jannik Sinner delivers sweet send-off to coach Darren Cahill after Australian Open win

Last year after winning the Australian Open, Jannik Sinner sent a sweet message to his parents, Johann and Siglinde, thanking them for the support and sacrifices they made to shape him into a Grand Slam champion.

Twelve months later, fresh off a successful title defense, Sinner paid tribute to another guiding force in his life: his coaches, and specifically, the retiring Darren Cahill.

Sinner confirmed in an interview with Eurosport Italia prior to the start of the tournament that he and Cahill would go their separate ways at the end of the 2025 season, with Cahill stating his desire to step back from full-time tour travel. After Sinner swept Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final to win his third Grand Slam singles title, he paid tribute to the Aussie, and joked that he will "maybe try to convince" Cahill into staying on.

Read more: Zverev left to say 'I'm just not good enough' as Sinner retains Australian Open title

“We worked a lot to be again in this position. It’s an amazing feeling to share this moment with all of you,” Sinner said in his winner's speech. “I know also a part of the team is at home and my family and everyone, but it is amazing to achieve these things, but mostly to share this with you guys.

"And Darren, I know it's your, probably, maybe ... maybe I try to convince you ... but it's your last Australian Open as a coach, and I'm very, very happy to share this trophy with you."

"Everything started a little bit when I made my whole change to you and also Simone [Vagnozzi], and I think you are an amazing combination of coaches, and I'm very, very happy to have you all here," Sinner added.

Cahill, 59, said last year that he wouldn't coach another player "full-time" once he partnership with Sinner ended, having started a collaboration with the Italian in 2022. The Aussie previously had a successful stint with Simona Halep, helping her win two Grand Slam titles and reach world No. 1, an several other stints with players through the now-defunct Adidas player development program.

Read more: Sinner draws Novak Djokovic comparisons from Alexander Zverev after Australian Open final

"I feel very, very lucky and happy to be his last player on tour," Sinner said earlier in the Australian Open. "He has been an amazing, amazing coach and person, not only for me but for all the other players he has worked with.

"For me it's just a huge honor. Hopefully we can make a nice season. But let's see. Let's see what's coming in the future. He has a beautiful family, so many great things to come for him also after his tennis job."